About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise cloud, AI, data science, IoT, and innovation initiatives globally. As a pioneer in distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1100 colleagues across 75+ countries, fostering a remote-first culture with periodic in-person sprints in exciting locations. Founder-led and profitable, Canonical drives open source innovation for top public cloud providers, silicon vendors, and industry leaders. This MAAS Systems Engineer role in Toronto offers a unique chance to contribute to Ubuntu's server certification ecosystem at the forefront of hardware-software integration.

Role Overview

Canonical seeks a skilled MAAS Systems Engineer - Python for its Toronto-area lab, focused on Ubuntu server certification for cutting-edge US-based silicon and server designs. This office-based position combines software engineering with hands-on data center operations. You'll develop Python-based tooling to automate server deployment, configuration, and network management at scale, ensuring lab reliability for kernel teams and partner engineering. Ideal for Python enthusiasts passionate about Linux hardware, distributed systems, and home lab experimentation, this role demands curiosity, problem-solving, and a drive to optimize operational efficiency in a high-stakes environment.

Why This Role Matters

Your work directly impacts Ubuntu's compatibility with the latest server hardware, enabling seamless Linux performance on new silicon. By enhancing MAAS (Metal as a Service) and integrations like Testflinger, you'll streamline automated testing and commissioning, reducing downtime and accelerating certification cycles for Canonical's enterprise customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Leverage Python expertise to extend MAAS software compatibility across diverse server and network hardware fleets.
• Build and maintain integrations between MAAS, Testflinger, and scheduling tools to boost lab automation.
• Contribute code improvements and fixes to Testflinger for robust testing workflows.
• Remotely manage a state-of-the-art automated server lab with vendor-leading silicon, ensuring 24/7 availability.
• Automate and enhance monitoring for hardware, networks, and systems performance.
• Collaborate globally with MAAS engineers, data center specialists, Ubuntu certification teams, and kernel developers.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

• STEM Bachelor’s degree, ideally in Computer Science or Software Engineering, with an exceptional academic record.
• Proven Python programming experience for automation and tooling.
• Hands-on Linux administration skills.
• Curiosity-driven mindset for diagnosing and resolving complex system issues.
• Excellent English communication for distributed team collaboration.
• Comfort working in a global, remote-first engineering culture.
• Willingness to travel up to 4 times yearly for strategy sprints.

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience with rack and virtualized systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and systematic testing approaches.
• Passion for performance engineering.
• Prior data center operations exposure.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-based compensation tailored to location, experience, and impact, with annual reviews and bonuses. Toronto-based team members enjoy:

• USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget.
• Distributed environment with 2-4 yearly in-person sprints worldwide.
• Comprehensive leave: annual holiday, maternity, paternity.
• Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing.
• Recognition rewards and travel perks including Priority Pass for long-haul events.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is merit-driven in a flat, collaborative structure. As a MAAS Systems Engineer, you'll gain deep expertise in open source infrastructure, Python automation, and data center scale operations. Opportunities abound to contribute upstream to MAAS and Ubuntu projects, mentor juniors, lead integrations, or pivot to kernel engineering and partner ecosystems. With regular feedback and learning stipends, Canonical invests in your growth amid rapid company expansion.

Why Join Canonical

Join a profitable, growing open source leader shaping Ubuntu's role in enterprise Linux. Work on real-world impact: certifying hardware that powers global clouds and AI. Thrive in a remote-first culture emphasizing autonomy, innovation, and global diversity. Toronto's office-based lab provides hands-on access to bleeding-edge silicon, blending software craftsmanship with hardware hacking. If you love Python, Linux, and scaling complex systems, Canonical offers purpose, challenge, and premium rewards.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? No, it's office-based in Toronto, requiring on-site lab work.

Q: What MAAS experience is needed? Python skills and Linux admin are essential; MAAS familiarity is a plus as you'll learn on the job.

Q: How global is the team? Highly distributed across 75+ countries, with English as the working language and periodic in-person alignment.

Q: What's the salary range? Competitive for Toronto tech market, with performance bonuses and annual reviews.

Q: Visa sponsorship? Canonical supports relocation for exceptional candidates; check careers.canonical.com for details.